American Christian Taylor edged out Omar McLeod for North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletics Association 2017 Male Athlete of the Year.
Taylor, who won the men’s triple jump title in London 2017, was also the only jumper over 18 metres in 2017, his best mark – 18.11m.
McLeod won the men’s 110m hurdles title in London. The Jamaican, who was the only man under 13 seconds with 12.90 and 12.96, recorded the top three times and five of the six fastest in the event in 2017
Tori Bowie, who won the women’s 100m in London, was named the Female Athlete of the Year. Bowie, despite having the joint 7th fastest time of 10.85, came though to beat world leader and Olympic sprint double champion, Jamaican Elaine Thompson.
Cuban Jordan Diaz, the world youth triple jump champion, was voted Male Junior Athlete of the Year.
Vashti Cunningham, USA’s indoor and outdoor high jump 2017 champion, was the top junior female, according to NACAC’s panel. She was also seen as the rising star of the year.
Christian Coleman, who dominated the collegiate circuit, went on to win silver in the men’s 100m in London, was the male rising star.
Coleman finished behind compatriot Justin Gatlin and ahead of bronze medallist Usain Bolt.
NACAC in a release, explained “the ballots were done at this date due to the hurricanes that affected the Caribbean Area and forced NACAC to suspend their Council Meeting in September 23, 2017.”
